Imp Trail

Imp Trail is a 6.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Gorham, New Hampshire that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

If you do the hike, start from the north end and make the loop to the south and return to your car via Route 16. The north side is the steeper of the two and makes the descent easier coming the long way down. The views from Imp Face are incredible. Plenty of water sources along the north trail and beyond Imp Face, when you start down there are not many sources of water.

As mentioned in the previous review, the south side of this hike is a much better starting location. The ascent is fairly steep and rocky and would be much harder on the knees coming down. We had a wonderful hike and even saw a female beer and cub near the bottom of the southern entry point. The trail itself seems well traveled and has plenty of challenging points from start to finish. I would recommend this hike for experienced hikers only. Children would have a difficult time on this hike due to the rocks, mud, and steep inclines. The view at the top was gorgeous and well worth the trip. It would be an excellent choice for starting out on a shorter but still challenging hike without the extra mileage. Be sure to take plenty of water. We completed the hike in 3.5 hours. Both of us are in fairly good condition and took minimal breaks. You should be able to do it in 4hrs. I don't recommend hiking this after dark.

I would recommend starting from the south head of the trail (end opposite to the green button on the map) as the climb from here is more rocky and its easier to climb on rocks rather than descend on them (especially when it has rained).
Very fun trial and exceptional views. Highly recommended.

We did the full loop and walked back to the south trail head to the car which was a very short walk. The trail was strenuous at points, but absolutely worth it when you get to the breath taking views of the presidentials. Weather conditions were perfect, till we got to the top and it started raining! Again, though, absolutely worth it.

Long: one of my all time favorite hikes. The views are great. The trail offers different styles throughout. Great workout. Recommend starting from the northern tip and looping to the southern entrance. Easier on older knees this way.